Review: The 2006 Harmony Sweeps Regional Champs and Audience Favorite from NYC, 'Round Midnight placed well in their first BHS International Competition in Anaheim, CA. Jeff, Wayne , T.J. and Larry bring us their first, self-titled CD of 10 tunes. Favorites are Van Morrison's "Moondance," "Try A Little Tenderness," "Don't Be A Baby, Baby," "Tonight" from West Side Story," the Doo-Wop classic "In The Still of the Night," the Righteous Brothers' "My Girl," The Skyliners' "Since I Don't Have You" and the Isley Brothers' "Shout!" We have to say that 'Round Midnight's rich, velvety harmonies are particularly fine on a classic Barbershop song like "Sing Me That Song Again," but every one of these cuts is a winner, and we love to see a top Barbershop groups push the envelope with their repertoire. An impressive debut recording from talented, fast-rising 'Round Midnight!

Songlist: Moondance , Anytime At All , Try a Little Tenderness , Don't Be A Baby, Baby , Sing Me That Song Again , Tonight (From "West Side Story") , In the Still of the Night, My Girl , Since I Don't Have You, Shout!

Review: What better for well-respected Barbershoppers and 2006 NYC Harmony Sweeps Regionals champs and Audience Favorite 'Round Midnight to dedicate their second album to, than their beloved hometown? Larry, Jeff, T.J. and Wayne have represented their city well, twice reaching the Semi-Finals in the Barbershop Harmony Society's International Barbershop Quartet competition, and also being named the BHS 2010 Mid-Atlantic District Champions. Their first, self-titled CD won major kudos, being nominated for a CARA award for "Best Barbershop Song." "New York State of Mind" features 10 Big Apple (and international) favorites: Billy Strayhorn's Duke Ellington hit, "Take the A Train," a pair by Billy Joel, "Honesty" (a live cut) and the title tune, Lennon/McCartney's "All My Lovin','" Jazz master Thelonius Monk, Williams & Hanighen's "'Round Midnight," Sam Cooke's soulful Doo-Wop hit "Nothing Can Change this Love," the Barbershop standard "Some Lucky Day, the bluesy "Body and Soul," Harry Noble's pop hit "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" and Adam Schlesinger's "That Thing You Do," from Tom Hanks' 1996 comedy/drama of the same name. The sweet sound, great harmonies and leads, and wonderful arrangements of this talented, veteran quartet add up to the kind of great entertainment that New York City is famous for!

Songlist: Take The "A" Train, New York State of Mind, All My Loving, Nothing Can Change This Love, Body and Soul, Some Lucky Day, Honesty, 'Round Midnight, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, That Thing You Do!

Review: From the first strains of the opening cut, "When I Lift Up My Head," we know that this Kansas-based all-male Gospel Barbershop quartet is something very special. 10 beautifully-crafted, inspirational songs, from "Sabbath Prayer," the touching "Joseph's Song," "Great Getting' Up Mornin'/Good News Medley," "Let There Be Peace On Earth" (sung with Sweet Adelines group "Zing"), and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" up to the final cut "May There Be Peace On Earth This Christmas." "Rejoice" is a feel-good, deeply spiritual winner for soulful 12th Street Rag.

Songlist: When I Lift Up My Head, Amazing Grace, Sabbath Prayer, Joseph's Song, Great Gettin' Up Mornin' / Good News Medley, Let There Be Peace on Earth, Sweet Hour of Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, My Life, My Love, My Song, May There Be Peace on Earth

Review: The four members of "12th Street" love to sing barbershop, and it shows! Here are 13 songs from the street: "Four Brothers," "Someday Down In Carolin," "What If I Do," "In Your Eyes," "And The Angels Sing," "A Tree In The Meadow," "Let's Get Away From It All," "I Called You My Sweetheart," "I Am A Child Of God," "Celebrate The Child," "Little Altar Boy," the title tune, and "Irish Blessing." Beautiful harmonies and a lot of feeling come through this rising, talented quartet!

Songlist: Four Brothers, Someday Down in Carolin', What'll I Do?, In Your Eyes, And the Angels Sing, A Tree in the Meadow, Let's Get Away from it All, I Called You My Sweetheart, I Am A Child of God, Celebrate the Child, Little Altar Boy, 12th Street Rag, Irish Blessing

Review: One of the prize Barbershop compilations of all time by the legendary 139th Street Quartet, "Collection" is a winner for lovers of the finest Barbershop Harmony in the history of SPEBSQSA. The quartet was formed in 1975, and got its name from the address of Pete Neushul's factory building in LA, deciding to let the group make the name, instead of the name making the group. Four different lead singers, Jim Meehan (1975-78), Larry Wright (1978-88), John Sherburn (1988-91) and Dan Jordan(1991-present) contribute at least 10 songs to the grand total of 64 songs on this 3-disc set (which are, oddly, numbered 1, 3 and 9). Within 2 years of its founding, the 139th won a silver medal at the SPEBSQSA Internationals in Philadelphia, and regularly did well in competition, for instance scoring bronze medals in 1989, silver in 1990, and bronze again in 1991. Appearing on TV for the first time in 1985 on the first of several episodes of "Cheers," this was quickly followed by an episode of "Night Court." They were also very fortunate to record with the legendary Neil Diamond, who sang lead with the group on a song for each of his Christmas recordings, both of which went multi-platinum, "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" on disc 3 is one of these tunes. The group wrote several of its own tunes, including "Best Times I Ever Had," "Now Here You Are Back Again," "My Dear Old Irish Mammy," as well as original words, intros and bridges to many other songs. Anyway, the liner notes are thick with Barbershop history and comments by the guys, and the music is all a cappella except for a couple of tunes like "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do." It's very hard to pick a favorite with so much great material, so we're going to go with the "Theme Song From Cheers." Sit back and enjoy about 3 hours of tunes by one of the great Barbershop quartets of all time!

Songlist: Bowery Medley, Wait 'Til The sun Shines, Nellie, Bach's Fugue (In D Minor), Down By The Old Mill Stream, 1927, Don't Put A Tax On The Beautiful Girls, Jean , I'm Just Wild About Harry, A Girlfriend Of A Boyfriend, Lulu's Back In Town, My Mother's Eyes, My Dear Old Irish Mammy, Good Old Zenith, Blackbird, I Get Around, It's Better To Leave Them Alone, Didn't We, I Got Rhythm, Kid's Song (Coney Island), My Alabama, French Medley, Daddy, You've Been A Mother To Me, We're Shovin' Right Off For Home, Sing An Old Barbershop Song, Jump Into My Mammy's Arms, I've Got The World On A String, Crazy Worlds, Crazy Tune, The Best Times I Ever Had, Money Makes The World Go 'Round, My Romance, Seaside Medley, I Wish I Was Eighteen Again, Don't Take Me Home, The Wild, Wild Women, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Now Here You Are, Back Again, Maple Leaf Rag, Bill Bailey Fugue, Grandpa's Spells, Chops, A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening, Swanee Intro with Hal Purdy, Swanee, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Parade- Medley, Can You Tame Wild Women?, Where Did You Get That Girl?, I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Ivory Rag, Forty-Five Minutes From Broadway, Kid's Song (Inch Worm), You Tell Her, I Stutter, Old Folks, Take Her Down To Coney Island, Puttin' On The Ritz, A Portrait Of My Love - Medley, A Cup Of Coffee, A Sandwich & You, Moscow Nights, If I Were You (I'd Fall In Love With Me), I'd Rather Be A Booster Than A Wise Guy, Through The Years, One Note Samba, Theme Song From "Cheers", A Salute To The 20th Century, Rigoletto Quartette

Review: Original member Norm Silver, aided and abetted by Jackie Farrell and Rita Dean, who also appeared on the All Stars last recording, "True Colors," are joined by three new members (including a vocal percussionist), though their musical journey in fact began much earlier - they won the Harmony Sweepstakes in 1993! The six members of this mixed group recently won the Denver regional competition of the Harmony Sweepstakes. Therefore their sound has evolved as well, and though their warm blend and soulful performances have not changed, depending on whom is assigned the lead vocal duties, a variety of impressions emerge. The earthy "Walking In Memphis," for example, is balanced by the eighties sheen of "Don't Stop Believin'." Superior clarity and a spacious mix helps to open up the ears for this tuneful new incarnation.

Songlist: Don't Stop Believin', I Wish, Walking In Memphis, I'm On Fire, Seesaw, God Shuffled His Feet, All Kinds Of People, My Child, You Don't Treat Me No Good, That's The Way Of The World, September

Review: Pride of Denver, CO, and 1993 Harmony Sweeps champs 17th Avenue All-Stars have given us 5 excellent Contemporary CDs, and their 6th, "Blend" is their best yet. One of Colorado's best-loved musical acts, the Stars are real audience-pleasers, whether performing their award-winning Pop Music Show, Dance Party or Doo Wop Show. Formerly a 4 man, one woman quintet, they are now an all male act, adding soulful Jimi Alexander. Blend features 12 finely-crafted covers, some favorites are Christopher Cross's "Ride Like the Wind," one of the best covers we've heard of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," great falsetto leads on Earth Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove Tonight," a fun, seedy take on the Cars' "My Best Friend's Girl," Mr. Mister's "Kyrie Eleison," Richard Marx's "Should've Known Better," Paul Simon's hit "You Can Call Me Al," America's "You Can Do Magic," and Lionel Richie's "All Night Long." Tight vocal percussion, sweet leads and the Stars' shear ability to entertain make Blend a joy to listen to, and another winner for one of our favorite Sweeps champions!

Songlist: Something About You, Ride Like The Wind, Good Vibrations, Let's Groove Tonight, My Best Friend's Girl, Heaven, Kyrie Eleson, Beautiful Soul, Should've Known Better, You Can Call Me Al, You Can Do Magic, All Night Long

Review: The four men and one woman of the Colorado-based 17th Avenue Allstars have been singing sweet Pop harmonies together for over a decade since their beginnings in Denver CO, and are no strangers to Harmony Sweepstakes audiences--they have won the Western Regional 3 times, and the whole enchilada, the National Championship, in 1993. Their repertoire includes 5 decades of popular music: 40's Swing, 50's Rock and Roll, 60's and 70's R&B and 80's and 90's Pop. "Doo Wop Gold," their fifth excellent CD, includes 12 classic, beautifully-arranged Doo Wop hits that would certainly rank in our top 20 of all time: "Remember When/I Wonder Why," "Sh-Boom," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Blue Moon," "Rockin' Robin," "Come Go With Me," "Lonely Teardrops," "In The Still Of The Night," "Morse Code Of Love," "Get A Job" and "Trickle Trickle;" finishing with a tasty "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Consummate entertainers whether they are performing their award-winning show at a family concert, large scale music festival or corporate party, "Gold" is ample proof that the Allstars are still one of the best Doo Wop groups we've ever had the pleasure to hear.

Songlist: Remember Then - I Wonder Why, Sh-Boom, I Only Have Eyes for You, Blue Moon, Rockin' Robin, Come Go With Me, Lonely Teardrops, In the Still of the Night, Morse Code of Love, Get A Job, Trickle Trickle, The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Review: Released in the same year as their triumphant success in the Harmony Sweepstakes, Simplicity is the defining moment of the early All Stars with Robert Johnson joining the group and La Tanya Hall considered a member of the group rather than guest artist. On this release there are mostly originals, wonderful originals at that, such as "Johnny" by Jeff Harris which has been covered enough to become a standard. A similar mix of musical styles as the first release graces this recording but the group has matured tremendously.

Songlist: Sly Medley, When I Think Of You, Power Of The Holy Ghost, He's Back & I'm Blue, Simplicity, One Way Or Another, Johnny, If You Love Somebody, Love And Joy, You Are The One, All I Have Is Me, Stay With Me Tonight

Review: Here's history for you. In 1991 just as the a cappella resurgence was beginning the All Stars began singing their mix of doo wop, soul, rock, and gospel which were to propel them to national prominence in 1993 as the winners of the Harmony Sweepstakes. In addition to originals by Robert Anderson, Jeff Harris and Norm Silver, the recording includes mostly covers arranged by Robert Anderson, "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", "Try A Little Tenderness", "You Talk Too Much", "Wonderful Tonight" and "Fire" among others...

Review: The departure of La Tanya Hall to a solo career and untimely death of Jeff Harris left Robert Johnson and Norm Silver to rebuild the group with arranging assistance by founder Robert Anderson. New members Jacquelyn Farrell, Rita Dean and Evan Blackstone continue the standard of vocal excellence. The ten songs include only one original by Robert Johnson who was busy with production as well. Included are "Sweet Dreams", "Stand By Me" and "Working In A Coal Mine" in addition to the beautiful title track "True Colors"..

Review: Join 2 Sing is a vocal a cappella collection by Jeremiah Savage and Nathanael Vossler. By dubbing layers of voice, they have created a professional arrangement of rich chords and blended harmonies in each song. Join 2 Sing is the first CD released by 2PRAISE. It began as an experiment with recording and dubbing vocals, but quickly evolved into a more ambitious project, due to the interest and encouragement of those who listened. This excellent CD features many original songs as well as re-arranged hymns that the whole family can enjoy.

Review: Ranked among the top Barbershop Quartets in the world, 3 Men have a strong and diverse musical background ranging from classical to contemporary to Doo-Wop, as evidenced by their varied repertoire on "Edge." 12 songs beginning with the Swing tunes "Hit That Jive Jack" and "Crazy Rhythm;" Big Band tunes "Sentimental Reasons" and "I Got You Under My Skin;" Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria," the Rock tune "What I Like About You;" Broadway hit "Someone Like You" from "Jekyll and Hyde;" and Kurt Bestor's touching "Prayer of the Children." There's tight harmonies and top-drawer entertainment from this impressive debut CD by versatile 3 Men & A Melody.

Songlist: Hit That Jive Jack, Wink and a Smile, Sing Me To Heaven, I Got You Under My Skin, For Sentimental Reasons, Ave Maria, What I Like About You, Someone Like You, Don't Worry, Be Happy, I Can Only Imagine, Prayer of the Children, Crazy Rhythm

Review: With the 1998 Central States District Championship and some international competition successes under their belts, the 4 young men who are 3 Men & A Melody have decided to bring their powerful, intricate harmonies into the recording studio. 12 songs, some of our favorites: "Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy," ""In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning," "Send In the Clowns," "Route 66," "Zombie Jamboree" and Harry Connick, Jr.'s "Recipe For Making Love." "Strictly" is a fun, energetic CD, very much like 3MAAM's live show, we would guess, and we're expecting big things of these guys.

Songlist: Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy, R.O.C.K in the U.S.A, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Happy Together, I Can't Get Next To You, Send in the Clowns, Route 66, There Goes My Heart, Galileo, The Way You Look Tonight, Zombie Jamboree (Back to Back), Recipe for Making Love

Review: Founded in 1997, all-male Doo Wop quartet 4 Ever Young, from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, is the brainchild of Bruce Smith, who set out to assemble an a cappella Doo-Wop group to help keep alive the music he used to sing on the streets of Brooklyn, NY, and perform with the Deacons and the Montclairs in the 50s and 60s. 16 Doo-Wop standards, "Barbara Ann," "So Much In Love, "Sunday Kind of Love," Book of Love," "Blue Moon," "At My Front Door," "409," "In the Still of the Night," "Monster Mash," "Charlie Brown" ...you get the idea. There's also a pretty cool cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as a Doo-Wop song. These guys are smooth as silk, professional, authentic and spot on key-one of the best Doo-Wop CDs we've heard this year!

Songlist: Intro, Barbara Ann, So Much Love, Sunday Kind of Love, Book of Love, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Blue Moon, At My Front Door, When We Got Married, Nag, 409, In The Still Of The Night, Monster Mash, Charlie Brown, Forever Young, Goodnight, Sweetheart

Review: From New Jersey, 4 His Glory are a Christian quartet with roots in barbershop. Member Roger Blackburn is known for his 1973 'Barbershopping in Brass' recording, and has been principal trumpet for several professional symphonies (no trumpet on this recording though). The group's harmonic identity is vertically dominant, but they also embrace the spiritual and hymn within their stylistic convergence. Songs such as 'If We Ever Needed the Lord Before' are echoes to the rousing gospel style popularized by Thomas Dorsey, 'A Shelter In The Time of Storm' to its precursor, the evangelicals written by Ira Sankey. 'I Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now, ' is arranged by Warren Haeger, and 'A Wonderful Time Up There,' is arranged by Earl Moon. 'You Better Get You Ready,' author unknown, is a mournful plea of hope for a better day, and 4 His Glory render it simply and powerfully.

Songlist: Rejoice, Ye Pure of Heart, It is Well with My Soul, If We Ever Needed the Lord Before, Were You There?, Let's Go On Together to the Promised Land, Illumine Me, Lord, Give Me Oil in My Lamp, A Shelter in the Time of Storm, The Breaking of the Bread, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for My Journey Now, You Better Get You Ready, A Wonderful Time Up There, The Lord is Coming, Are You Ready?

Review: This is the 3rd recording of Gospel/Barbershop quartet Four His Glory, and they bring us 12 uplifting, tight-harmonied old and new hymns to Jesus. In the title track, the 4 tell us, 'But if all I've done in the time we've shared, is to turn your eyes on me, then I've failed... there's someone else I want you to see.' Their message is clear and consistent throughout, as endearing and sweet as their old-time Barbershop harmonies!

Songlist: Since Jesus came Into My Heart, Beneath The Cross of Jesus, Watch and Pray, Saved By Grace, Ivory Palaces, The Lord God Be Praised Above The Heavens, Story Of Jesus Medley, Victory in Jesus / Wonderful Grace of Jesus, Will You Love Jesus More?, Jesus, Hold My Hand, There is Power in the Blood, Jesus Is My Lord

Review: Four women on a journey, tirelessly braving the road to excellence, bring you "Cool 'n' Crazy". Rich with attitude and sass is this 4-Star release of jazz and bop-pop barbershop! Finger-snapping tunes like "Crazy 'Bout You Baby" and "Bop 'til You Drop" energize your ears from the minute you push play. The perfectly blended voices and polished dynamic expression can only prove the power and musicianship of 4-Star Collection. From "The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" to the "Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening", when the CD is over one only wonders "Where Does the Time Go"? Push play again!

Songlist: Crazy 'Bout You Baby, If I Were You I'd Fall In Love With Me, In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning, Bop 'Til You Drop, Imagination, In The Cool, Cool of the Evening, Smile, I Found a Million Dollar Baby, Toorah Loorah Loorah, Coffee In A Carboard Cup, Old Cape Cod, Where Does The Time Go?, Slap That Bass

Review: Officially, 4 Star Collection registered their quartethood with Sweet Adelines International in 1987. In 1988 and again in 1989 they won their regional competitions. Since then they were 10th in the Internationals in 1989, 5th in '90, 8th in '91, 2nd in '92, 5th in '93, 3rd in '94, 2nd in '95 and in l996 swept the field of 47 other quartets to become the 1997 Queens Of Harmony. Their winning performance that magic evening was "(When It's) Darkness On The Delta," "I'd Give The World To Hear Alexander's Band Again," "Here I Am, Broken Hearted" and, just for yucks, Weird Al's parody of "La Bamba" entitled "Lasagna." As their chords rang out into the hall holding 7,000 enthusiasts, the judges awarded the maximum number of discretionary bonus points possible. Now you can enjoy the same winning perfection that swept the judges and audience that evening.

Review: 49th Street is the neighborhood in West Philadelphia where Frank Lafaro and his cousin Bob Croce sang street harmony, and where they formed Frankie and the Fashions in 1963. Frankie and Bob, plus fellow 'Fashions' member Frank DiSantis, who wrote 'I Wonder Where You Are' on this cd, are together again (with 5 others including Frankie's daughter Christin) in 49th Street, and the selections include pop, jazz, R&B, rock & Doo-Wop. Some standouts: 'Sherry,' 'I Wonder Where You Are,' 'Where Are You,' 'Don't Worry Baby,' 'Summertime,' and 'Dream.

Songlist: Moonlight Serenade, Sherry, I Wonder Where Your Are, Carry On, Where Are You, Garden of Love, Don't Worry Baby, The Closer You Are, Where or When, We Go, Summertime, You Don't Understand, For What It's Worth, Home Away From Home, Dream, Philly Bound

Review: We love these collections of authentic, seldom-heard Doo Wop from Collectables Records, who find original street-corner a cappella groups like The Five Boroughs (actually seven guys), put them in a recording studio and present their sweet harmonies for all of us to enjoy! "Hearts Desire" has 17 soulful cuts, eight that are pure a cappella, the title tune, "I'll Stop Wanting You," "My Girlfriend," "Secret Love," "10 Commandments of Love," "Danny Boy," "Pennies from Heaven" and "Over the Rainbow;" eight accompanied by a band, such as "The Way You Look Tonight," "The Verdict," "Recess in Heaven," "Loraine," "Unchained Melody" and "Darling You," and one instrumental, "Harlem Nocturne." Most of these are standard covers, nicely done, and some we're hearing for the first time. All in all, "Heart's Desire" is a trip back to a simpler time, when you could hear a new, exciting American art form being born, on the radio, in a concert hall or even on a street corner!

Review: Fourteen-member, mixed High School vocal jazz ensemble 5-Alone was founded by Director Lechner in the fall of 1999. The group's performances of tight 5-part harmonies (hence the moniker 5-Alone) have since earned acclaim from some of the most prestigious names in jazz, including numerous Downbeat awards, top three placement in a Harmony Sweeps Regional (we assume they trimmed down to 7 members for that appearance), and performances at the International Association of Jazz Educators' annual conference and the North Sea Jazz Fest. Their 2003 CD "Good Vibrations" won a CARA for "Best High School Album." There are 11 tasty jazz cuts here, the Real Group's Anders Edenroth's "Thousand Things" (Anders also arranges "Body and Soul"), Harry Connick, Jr.'s "Heavenly," Brian Wilson's anthem "God Only Knows," "One Day I'll Fly Away," the upbeat, finger-snapping "I'm With You," very cool vocal percussion on "In The Waiting Line," the bluesy "Can't Stop Thinking 'Bout You," and the striking "Silence of Time" are particularly fine. A poised, impressive 2nd CD from this young, talented, well-directed, fast-rising ensemble!

Songlist: Thousand Things, Heavenly, David And Goliath, Body And Soul, Ridin' The Rails, God Only Knows, One Day I'll Fly Away, I'm With You, In The Waiting Line, Can't Stop Thinking 'bout You, Silence Of Time

Review: 2008 Chicago Regionals winner, all male Contemporary quintet 5one (which refers to the strongest cadence found in Western music), hails from Decatur, Illinois' Millikin University. We just had the pleasure of seeing 5one's dynamic set at the Harmony Sweeps National Finals, and the crowd gave a strong ovation to songs like the Animals' "House of the Rising Sun," which is here on "Get It." Other favorites among these 10 songs are a sweet cover of the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl," Lennon/McCartney's "Come Together" and "Drive My Car," Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman," "Stand By Me," "People Change," "Fallin' Over You" and "Up The Ladder." 5one puts their personal stamp on each of these covers with cutting-edge arrangements, tight vocal percussion and spirited harmonies. This fast-rising group gained many new fans at the Finals, and "Get It" is a strong, head-turning debut CD for them. Good stuff, guys!

Songlist: House of the Rising Sun, Trashin' the Camp, Fallin' Over You, Drive My Car, Surfer Girl, Pretty Woman, Stand By Me, Up the Ladder, People Change, Come Together

Review: Here are six Christian men from Orlando, Florida, whose God, the '7th Element,' has called them to minister to others, to reach peoples' hearts with a positive message in music. David 'Dee' Glover, Marc Dwyer, Darren Greene, Garth, Curt and Kevin perform their mission well. The cover of the liner notes sets the tone: we see only the eyes of the six men, placing the importance on their Lord and the music that comes through them. From the first song, the spiritual 'Ride the Chariot' it's clear as they break into a stunning harmonic jazz chord that 7th Element is something very special. 13 songs, several written and all arranged by group members, with very cool with little spoken set pieces like 'WORL' where the group explains their name to a radio DJ, and 'Master's Piece Theatre,' a funny and unexpected little gem. We have 'Ship of Zion,' 'Everything That's Beautiful,' 'I'll Be Your Friend,' 'Realize,' Come Down,' 'Lift Every Voice,' 'Redeemed,' 'We Give You All the Praise,' 'Our Prayer' and very appropriate bonus track, the 'Star-Spangled Banner.' Some of the songs are accompanied with drums and sometimes violins and orchestra. Beautiful, soaring falsetto voices and cutting edge arrangements make 'Vol. 1' as impressive and stunning a first CD as Naturally Seven's 'Non-Fiction.'

Review: ACE is a Russian mixed-voice Vocal Jazz sextet (3 men, 3 women) of uncommon talent and spirit. "Magic" is their debut CD, and the liner notes are half Russian and half English. The point, though, is the music, which is superb. 10 cuts, particularly wonderful are a bright, complex arrangement of "My Favorite Things," the Streisand hit "People," "Jazzed," with a nice Swingle-Singerish Mozart sample, a scat-driven "Duke's Place" and a wonderful, salsa-flavored "Magic Moment Bossa" ACE has the vocal chops, the poise and the sense of fun we generally only see in groups like Vox One and Manhattan Transfer. The fact that the group's English is fairly elementary only makes this debut CD all the more amazing.

Review: A Cappella-Go is three exceptional women with extensive musical backgrounds whose mission is to share the great music of the past with their audiences. The vocal talents of these three are highlighted on the 15 classic hits of "Way Out West." Some particular favorites are "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter," "Mr. Sandman," "Lullabye of Broadway" (dedicated to Esther Smith & the Rhythm Girls), "Sentimental Journey," "Down Among The Sheltering Palms," "Sing, Sing!/Let Yourself Go Medley," "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," "Lullabye of Birdland" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." These beautiful young women are real audience-pleasers who harmonize with spirit and panache on some of the great songs of all time.

Review: Nashville's 2000 Sweet Adelines Convention saw appropriately-named A Cappella Gold named Queens of Harmony, and since then they've released "As Good As Gold," "Pure Gold" and now "Harmony Gone Wild" to prove how right the judges were! Included here are 13 songs, from beautifully-arranged old favorites like "Here's That Rainy Day," "These Foolish Things," "Glow Worm," "Something's Gotta Give," "Red River Valley" and "Row, Row, Rosie," to new songs we haven't heard like "Somethin' About Ya," "Why Haven't I Heard From You" and the funny live cut "Generic Uptempo Barbershop Song." Elton John's "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" is beautifully sung and arranged, as is the surprising jazz tune made famous by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, "Sermonette." The gals finish strong with a ringing Limelighters tune, "Harmony." Smiling on the cover dressed in Zebra-stripe overkill, ACG is not shy, and can belt, ring chords and harmonize with the best of them and have big fun doing it!

Review: The 2000 Sweet Adelines Convention in Nashville witnessed the crowning of four new Queens of Harmony: A Cappella Gold! And if you want to hear the harmonies that caught the ears of the judges, we have here ACG's latest. Bette Gordon, tenor, Kim Hulbert, lead, Tomi McEvoy, baritone, and Susan Lamb, bass, bring us 12 beautifully arranged gems: "Nobody Knows What A Red Head Mama Can Do," "Play That Barbershop Chord," "If I Had You," "Love Potion #9," "The Nearness Of You," "Runnin' Wild," "Since You Been Gone," "Every Time We Say Goodbye," "Bald Headed Men," "Grapefruit Diet (Zoot Suit Riot)," "How Many Hearts Have You Broken/Them There Eyes Medley," and "It's A Pity To Say Goodnight." 24-carat stuff!

Songlist: Nobody Knows What A Red Head Mama Can Do, Play That Barbershop Carol, If I Had You, Love Potion #9, The Nearness Of You, Runnin, Wild, Since You've Been Gone, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Bald-Headed Men, Grapefruit Diet, How Many Hearts Have You Broken, It's A Pity To Say Goodbye

Review: 50-strong Philadelphia-based mixed-voice a cappella chorus is the brainchild of international award-winning director Muck, who realized her dream in 2000 with the first rehearsals of the Pops. Taking music from the world's songbook and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame (Duke Ellington, Elton John, Billy Joel, Lennon & McCartney, Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein to name a few), the Pops reinterprets their great tunes with a unique blend of vocal precision and the sheer joy of performing. 12 tunes on "Happy," their debut CD, and how to pick favorites among songs like the title tune, "Misty," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Good Vibrations," "Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel)," "Yesterday," "All the Things You Are," "Zoot Suit Riot," "19th Century Medley" and "Time to Say Goodbye?" We can't, so we'll just sit back, like the Pops' audiences, and enjoy the ride-as the Pops and Director Muck are clearly doing!

Songlist: Happy Together, Misty, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Good Vibrations, When I Look In Your Eyes, Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel), Yesterday, 19th Century Medley, All The Things You Are, Zoot Suit Riot, Time To Say Goodbye, America The Beautiful

Review: Celebrating their 15th year of performing in South Florida, and their "Be Still My Soul," their 8th album, The mixed-voice (20 women, 16 men) Acappella Singers are all Christians, and drawn from a hundred-mile radius, but are not affiliated with any particular denomination. Concerts are performed in churches, special and corporate events, and the group are the "resident singers" at Butterfly World, a local attraction. They sing both sacred and secular music, but always "To God's Glory." There are 14 spirited tunes here, a few with non-vocal percussion and piano. Favorites are "Uyai Mose," "Give Me Jesus," the rousing spiritual "Ain't Got Time to Die," the richly harmonic "Rise Up O Men of God," Felix Mendelssohn's "Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord," "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go," Andrew Lloyd Webber's soaring "Pie Jesu," the powerful hymn "Be Still My Soul" and the traditional "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." The Singers are wonderfully led by Conductor Boender, their arrangements are excellent, and their sound is effortlessly clean, fresh and beautifully blended. This is a veteran choir with tremendous talent and spirit, and every song is perfect!

Songlist: Uyai Mose, Give Me Jesus, Jesus Loves Me, Ain't Got Time to Die, Lift Thine Eyes, Be Born in Me, Rise Up O Men of God, Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord, O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, I Am Thine O Lord, Pie Jesu, Praise His Holy Name, Be Still My Soul, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Review: All Christians, but not affiliated with any denomination, the Singers were founded in 1994 in South Florid a by Ronald Boender and grew from a dozen singers to their current 32 mixed voices. Their trademark 8-part arrangements and close, challenging harmonies are featured on 8 CDs of both sacred and secular music. "God Bless America" includes 5 patriotic and folk songs, Woody Guthrie's "This Land," four arranged by Derric Johnson, "Give Me Your Tired," "We The People" and "God Bless The USA." Also included are the spirituals "Set Down Servant," "Witness," "All My Trials" with a lovely solo by Mary Jane Vanden Birge, and the deeply-felt "Benediction" by Robert C. Clatterbuck. A beautiful, inspirational collection by South Florida's finest!

Review: Following the inspiration of acappella arrangers Derric Johnson and Norman Luboff, Ronald Boender formed this 24 voice, mixed ensemble dedicated to performing the best of folk, sacred, Americana, and Christmas acappella. Since 1994, the Acappella Singers have built a solid repertoire of the finest acappella choral literature (in 8 parts) remaining steadfast to the foundation of the purest form of singing. Choosing Christmas songs arranged by aforementioned Derric Johnson, as well as Alfred Burt and Jay Rouse to name a few. Accentuated with sounds of a cathedral echo you can only love 'Carol Of The Bells', 'Joy To The World', 'Caroling, Caroling', 'Rejoice and Sing', and 'Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence'.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Be Born In Me, He Just Had To Come Down, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent, Carol Of The Bells, This Christmastide, Rejoice And Sing, Silent Night, I Believe This Is Jesus, Joy To The World, My Song In The Night, Winter Wonderland, Thee With Tender Care, Peace, Peace

Review: Performing at various venues all over South Florida, the non-denominational Acappella Singers was founded by Ronald Boender in 1994, as a group of semi-professional singers under his direction. The goal of this unique 32 voice ensemble is to perform only the finest a cappella choral literature in all formats including sacred, folk, classical, patriotic, and Christmas favorites. Because the repertoire of the Singers is almost entirely written in 8 parts, and could be considered pop vocal or vocal jazz, the ensemble produces a distinctive sound that is exciting to hear, and rare in the choral field. "My Father's World" features 10 beautifully arranged Christian spiritual sounds: "We Will Glorify," "Have Thine Own Way," "He Never Sleeps," "Beautiful Savior," "Children of the Heavenly Father," John Rutter's "God Be In My Head," the title tune (arranged by Paul Christiansen), "I Love You Lord," and Joyce Eilers' "Go Ye Now In Peace." Soaring harmonies, a couple of lovely solos by Elisa McCord on "He Never Sleeps" and Maryanne Webel on "Beautiful Savior," a bright, clean sound and deeply-felt lyrics are features of this very special CD.

Songlist: We Will Glorify, Have Thine own Way, Adoration, He Never Sleeps, Beautiful Savior, Children of the Heavenly Father, God Be In My Head, This Is My Father's World, I Love You Lord, Go Ye Now In Peace

Review: Tenor Paul, Lead Tim, Baritone Clay and Bass Drew are highly decorated BHS veterans, and it's no surprise that A Mighty Wind (great name, by the way) is the current BHS 3rd Place International Medalist quartet. "Something In The Air" is their hot-off-the-presses debut recording and it contains 12 winners, some that particularly caught our ear are Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin," Sam Cooke's "Cupid," Roger Miller's crossover hit "King of the Road," Sol Weinstein's "The Curtain Falls," Robert Wells and David Holt's "Mobile," Mosie Lister's "I'm Feeling Fine," and Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." These guys are funny, the arrangements (several by the talented Clay Hine, who won 1991 Gold with FRED) are top-drawer, and they can entertain and harmonize like angels. The Wind is rising!

Songlist: Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue, I've Got You Under My Skin, Cupid, You Must Come In at the Bottom, My Gal Sal, King of the Road, The Curtain Falls, Mobile, Bill Grogan's Goat, I'm Feeling Fine, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep, Watch What Happens

Review: A Moment's Pleasure is John Farrington, Herb Johnson, John Jones, Bill Keith and Bob Reilly, all guys with many, many years of a cappella singing experience. Herb Johnson, for instance, was the lead singer of The Cruisers who recorded 'Have You Heard/Guilty' for Len Records in 1962, and Bill Keith is an original member of The Blendtones who recorded 'Lights Please' for Don-El Records in 1957. 24 cuts, some of our favorites are 'Finger Poppin' Time,' 'When I Fall In Love,' 'Diamonds And Pearls,' 'Baby, It's You" ... heck, they're all good. From Starlight Discs.

Songlist: Intro, Lovey Dovey, The Girl I Love, Baby It's You, Nobody Loves Me Like You, Be Sure My Love, Pain In My Heart, Time Makes You Change, Every Beat of My Heart, My Girl Awaits Me, Oh What A Nite, Finger Poppin' Time, Chapel of Dreams, My Dream, Jo Jo, My Plea, When I Fall in Love, Does She Love Me, The Coffee Grind, Can't Do Sixty No More, On Sunday Afternoon, Diamonds and Pearls, Without Love (There is Nothing), Outro

Review: Benny (Bird) Primetime Daniels, John Farrington, John Jones, Bill Keith and James (J.P.) Phillips are A Moment's Pleasure, and they sing polished, smooth, deep-bassed, close-harmony a cappella street corner doo-wop. Formed in 1982, all the group members have paid their dues (dues-wop?) big time, and it shows. 15 classic songs, from 'What's Your Name,' 'Farewell My Love,' 'Sitting In the Park' and 'Save the Last Dance for Me,' to 'Come Go with Me,' 'So Fine,' 'Sincerely' and 'Don't Leave Me Baby' - it's all great doo-wop with more of a 60s flavor without losing the vintage R&B 1950's sound!

Songlist: What's Your Name?, Could This Be Magic, Farewell My Love, Sitting in the Park, Talking To My Heart, Save The Last Dance For Me, While Walking, Lost Love, Come Go With Me, So Fine, I Do, Sincerely, Peace Of Mind, Never Let Me Go, Don't Leave Me Baby

Review: An East Coast quintet covering a variety of adult contemporary compositions, and one original - "(I Will) Bring You Love," (reminiscent of classic Lamont/Dozier/Holland). The Beatles "Hey Bulldog" is a clever selection, and the arrangement is particularly well-conceived - each part is strong and balances the whole. "Time and Tide" is a great opportunity for Alice Burge, the group's lone female, to let it rip - its range is all over the place, reaching heights where the air gets thin! "Fly Like An Eagle" is tinged by a doo-wop influence - of the sort exemplified by the Persuasions - and it gives the tune an edge that's cool. "Bob Away My Blues" has the group riffing on vocal horn parts and shuffling, while embellishing with slides and chromatic fills. Other songs: "Something To Talk About," "Crazy Love" and more.

Review: These four motets were composed in the fall of 1921 while Copland was studying with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. The four motets have remained unpublished until now. Writing to Copland about them in 1924, Boulanger tells the composer that "those motets sound in the voices in a stunning manner."

Review: Based on melody No. 202 in Kurt Schindler's collection: "Folk Music and Poetry of Spain and Portugal." The chorus is to be divided into two groups: The main choral body, and a conrasting smaller "Solo group" of approximately 3 or 4 voices to a part.

Review: Mixed voice arrangements by David Brunner, Irving Fine, Glenn Koponen, Gregory Rose, and R. Wilding-White collected for the first time in a complete edition. Includes the original notes on the songs.

Songlist: The Boatmen's Dance, The Dodger, Long Time Ago, Simple Gifts, I Bought Me a Cat, The Little Horses, Zion's Walls, The Golden Willow Tree, At the River, Ching-a-ring Chaw

7558b | 01 Songbook | $8.95 | SATB

Aaron Jay Kernis : Ecstatic Meditations

Review: Aaron Jay Kernis, awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1998, is one of the most sought after composers today. He has received commissions from many of the major orchestras in the United States, including the New York Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. Ecstatic Meditations was composed in 1999 for Philip Brunelle and the Plymouth Music Series Ensemble Singers and Choir. Like all of Kernis' music, it "bears the unmistakable stamp of a wildly fertile musical imagination...with rich poetic imagery." The text is by Mechthild of Magdeburg, translated by Jane Hirshfield

Review: Aaron Neville (born January 24, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana) is an American soul and R&B singer. He made his debut in 1966 with the hit single "Tell It Like It Is", a Number One hit on the Billboard R&B charts. Neville did not chart again, however, until 1989, when he collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on three consecutive duets: "Don't Know Much", "All My Life", and "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby", of which the first two reached Number One on the Adult Contemporary charts. Neville has released more than 20 singles, including three Number Ones on the Adult Contemporary format, and a fourth on the R&B format.

Review: ABBA gained international popularity employing catchy song hooks, simple lyrics, and a Wall of Sound achieved by overdubbing the female singers' voices in multiple harmonies. As their popularity grew, they were sought after to tour Europe, Australia, and North America, drawing crowds of ardent fans, notably in Australia. Touring became a contentious issue, being particularly unpopular with Faltskog, but they continued to release studio albums to great commercial success. At the height of their popularity, however, both marriages of the band members failed, and the relationship changes were reflected in their music, as they produced more thoughtful lyrics with different compositions. They remain a fixture of radio playlists and are one of the world's best selling bands, having sold over 370 million records world wide; they still sell two to four million records a year. This Pro Vocal series contains the lyrics, melody, and chord symbols for eight of their hit songs. The CD contains demos for listening, and then separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is playable on any CD, but it is also enhanced for PC and Mac computer users so you can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal, parties, auditions, corporate events, and gigs without a backup band. Or for singing just for the fun of it!

Songlist: Dancing Queen, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Mamma Mia, Money, Money, Money, The Name Of The Game, S.O.S., Take A Chance On Me, The Winner Takes It All

Review: One of the most successful pop acts of all time, ABBA first shot to fame in 1974 after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with 'Waterloo'. The three songs in this volume are among the best-known of all ABBA's many hits: 'Mamma Mia!' the title song to the popular musical; the poignant 'Super Trouper' with its reflections on some of the trials tribulations of life on the road; and 'Money, money, money' with its chromatic twists and catchy interludes. So dig out your platform shoes, dust down your flares and hit the concert platform with this collection of timeless chart-toppers from ABBA. If you are looking for straightforward and rewarding repertoire for your beginner choir, then you need look no further than Choral Basics - the perfect series for singers of all ages. These simple 2-part choral arrangements for soprano and alto voices make the series perfect for choirs. The rich array of repertoire is bound to be a hit with singers of all ages, and the technical abilities of choirs at this level have been taken into consideration. Straightforward and idiomatic piano accompaniments have been included and are designed to support the vocal lines, without putting pressure on staff with less developed keyboard skills. Choral Basics are great value for money providing a contrasted set of arrangements for any concert.

Review: If you are looking for straightforward and rewarding repertoire for your beginner choir, then you need look no further than Choral Basics the perfect series for singers of all ages. The Simple 3-part choral arrangements for soprano, alto and a combined part for men's voices make the series perfect for choirs with a dearth of males or whose male singers have unstable or changing voices. The rich array of repertoire is bound to be a hit with younger singers and the technical abilities of choirs at this level have been taken into consideration. Straightforward and idiomatic piano accompaniments have been included and are designed to support the vocal lines, without putting pressure on staff with less developed keyboard skills. Dig out your platform shoes, dust down your flares and hit the concert platform with this collection of timeless chart-toppers from ABBA.

Review: Another three timeless classics from one of the most successful pop acts of all time featuring Thank You For The Music, Fernando and their 1974 smash hit Waterloo. So dig out your platform shoes, dust down your flares and hit the concert platform with this collection of timeless chart-toppers from ABBA. If you are looking for straightforward and rewarding repertoire for your beginner choir, then you need look no further than Choral Basics - the perfect series for singers of all ages. These simple 2-part choral arrangements for soprano and alto voices make the series perfect for choirs. The rich array of repertoire is bound to be a hit with singers of all ages, and the technical abilities of choirs at this level have been taken into consideration.Straightforward and idiomatic piano accompaniments have been included and are designed to support the vocal lines, without putting pressure on staff with less developed keyboard skills.

Review: Another three timeless classics from one of the most successful pop acts of all time featuring Thank You For The Music, Fernando and their 1974 smash hit Waterloo. So dig out your platform shoes, dust down your flares and hit the concert platform with this collection of timeless chart-toppers from ABBA. If you are looking for straightforward and rewarding repertoire for your beginner choir, then you need look no further than Choral Basics - the perfect series for singers of all ages. These simple 2-part choral arrangements for soprano and alto voices make the series perfect for choirs. The rich array of repertoire is bound to be a hit with singers of all ages, and the technical abilities of choirs at this level have been taken into consideration. Straightforward and idiomatic piano accompaniments have been included and are designed to support the vocal lines, without putting pressure on staff with less developed keyboard skills.

Review: Abbey is seen a rare 1991 performance at the Promenade Theater in New York. She is at once beautiful, insightful and at the top of her musical gifts. The appearance represents the beginning of a great comeback that has since established her as a legendary jazz vocalist and composer.

Songlist: Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams, Up Jumped Spring, A Time for Love, Bird Alone , You Gotta Pay the Band, Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?, When I'm Called Home, I'm in Love

Review: The most famous American Christmas carol family is undisputably the Burt family. The carols of Bates and Alfred Burt and the Christmas carol cards they sent are now part of our hymnody and folklore. Abbie Burt Betinis is the great granddaughter of Bates and grand niece of Alfred, and is continuing the tradition with freshness and craftsmanship. A noted and often commissioned composer in her own right, she brings skill and talent to this unique genre in a way no one else could. The verse and chorus form reminds us of an English carol, but the text, taken most often from other Burt family members, are very American. Enjoy this energetic carol with sacred text by John Harris Burt